AHOP

New rules for stores accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments will require them to stock more kinds of foods. The program is also called SNAP or food stamps. But advocates say convenience stores and small markets that serve places like Hazelwood without a full-service grocery store could be at risk of losing the ability to accept SNAP payments. This would cost them a significant part of their revenue and deprive SNAP users access to food.

A small crowd of stalwart Hazelwoodians braved the day’s heat to attend the July 14 Greater Hazelwood community meeting at Community Kitchen Pittsburgh. Joined by about a dozen online participants, they learned about a new neighborhood employment center, tree planting, and a project to generate ideas for the Gladstone Annex. But first, two familiar presenters talked about a new public art trail in Hazelwood.

After weeks of uncertainty, the city has funded after-school and summer programs at Burgwin Rec Center. A bill to funnel $200,000 from the Stop the Violence Fund cleared committee on July 22 and is expected to receive full council approval on July 28.